Most substantial consumption growth in nearly 3 years

Household spending was 2,6 percent higher in November 2010 than in November 2009. It is the most substantial consumption growth in nearly 3 years. Spending on goods increased by no less than 4.4 percent. Spending on services was 0.9 percent higher than one year previously. Consumption figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Dutch households spent 4.7 percent more on durable consumer goods in November. Just as in preceding months, they bought more new cars. Clothing, shoes and household appliances were popular items as well. Consumer spending on food, drinks and tobacco grew by 2.4 percent.

Due to the relatively cold weather in November, households consumed much more natural gas than in November 2009. The higher gas consumption accounted for nearly 1 percentage point of total consumption growth. This contribution to consumption growth was almost equal to the contribution of increased household spending on durable consumer items.

The development of household consumption is in line with the trend indicated in the Household Consumption Radar, which shows that the conditions for consumption growth have gradually improved in the course of 2010.

Domestic household consumption (volume, adjusted for shopping-days)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.